Dayhike out of Kennedy Meadows; gained Relief Peak's NE Ridge from Grouse Creek and continued around over Molo Mtn. and Kennedy Peak, returning via Soda Canyon and Kennedy Creek. This was a longer day than it had looked on the map, with some truly awful scree to gain Relief's NE Ridge (a snow climb of the north face would be more enjoyable) and some tedious sidehilling on the way to Molo--but fortunately with some fantastic views that more than made up for the poor climbing.

Traversed steep snow slopes from Molo and then ascended loose scree on the SW slope to reach the S ridge. Descended loose scree directly down to the small lake to the west, completely snow covered of course.

I have wanted to climb this peak for years, and I finally did it...! I dragged my city-boy brother-in-law with me, who I expected would tire out on the lower ridge. However he surprised me and kept pace with me step for step!

The weather was perfect, partly cloudy, not too hot. The views of the Emigrant and northern Yosemite were awesome!